Vehicle theft detection

Abstract

A vehicle theft detection system uses data from a GPS vehicle tracking unit, information regarding previous driving behavior of the authorized driver, and integration with a smartphone application to determine the likelihood that a vehicle has been stolen.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A computer-implemented method for detecting theft of a vehicle in which a vehicle monitoring device is installed, comprising:
 (a) receiving initial vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device while the vehicle is driven by an authorized driver over an initial period of time, the initial vehicle data including vehicle location data and vehicle motion data that are indicative of driving behavior of the authorized driver during the initial period of time; 
 (b) processing the initial vehicle data using machine learning software to ascertain patterns in one or more of routes, destinations, speed, and acceleration of the vehicle when driven by the authorized driver during the initial period of time; 
 (c) receiving subsequent vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device while the vehicle is driven on a trip after the initial period of time, the subsequent vehicle data including vehicle location data and vehicle motion data that are indicative of driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle during the trip; 
 (d) comparing the subsequent vehicle data to the patterns ascertained in step (b), and calculating one or more behavior correlation scores based on the comparison; 
 (e) determining a theft probability value based at least in part on the one or more behavior correlation scores; 
 (f) comparing the theft probability value to a theft concern threshold; 
 (g) based on the theft probability value exceeding the theft concern threshold, sending a query message to a mobile communication device associated with the authorized driver, wherein the query message inquires whether the authorized driver is driving the vehicle during the trip; 
 (h) receiving a response message transmitted from the mobile communication device associated with the authorized driver, the response message including response information indicating whether or not the authorized driver is driving the vehicle during the trip; and 
 (i) if the response information indicates that the authorized driver is not driving the vehicle on the trip, sending a theft alert message to the mobile communication device associated with the authorized driver, the theft alert message including a current location of the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein, if the response information indicates that the authorized driver is driving the vehicle on the trip, the machine learning software using the response information to refine the patterns ascertained in step (b), and the method continuing at step (c). 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein, if the response information indicates that the authorized driver is not driving the vehicle, or if the vehicle is later reported to have been stolen, the machine learning software using the response information or theft report information to refine the patterns ascertained in step (b), and the method continuing at step (c). 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein the patterns ascertained in step (b) include one or more of a pattern in:
 acceleration from a stop; 
 braking; 
 speed around curves; 
 observance or nonobservance of speed limits; 
 routes taken on a daily basis; and 
 daily destinations. 
 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 acquiring device location data from the mobile communication device associated with the authorized driver, the device location data indicating a current location of the mobile communication device; 
 comparing the current location of the mobile communication device to a current location of the vehicle determined from the vehicle location data; 
 calculating a location correlation score based on comparing the current location of the vehicle to the current location of the mobile communication device; and 
 including the location correlation score in the determination of the theft probability value. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 acquiring soft lock location data from the vehicle monitoring device, the soft lock location data indicating a location at which the authorized driver parked and left the vehicle; 
 periodically acquiring current vehicle location data after acquisition of the soft lock location data; 
 comparing the current vehicle location data to the soft lock location data; 
 calculating a soft lock location correlation score based on comparison of the current vehicle location data to the soft lock location data; and 
 including the soft lock location correlation score in the determination of the theft probability value. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 determining based on the vehicle location data whether the vehicle is traveling through a high crime area; 
 calculating a high crime area correlation score based on whether the vehicle is traveling through a high crime area; and 
 including the high crime area correlation score in the determination of the theft probability value. 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 acquiring route navigation data from the mobile communication device, the route navigation data indicating a planned route for the trip that is determined by a GPS navigation application running on the mobile communication device; 
 comparing the current vehicle location data to the route navigation data; 
 calculating a route navigation correlation score based on comparison of the current vehicle location data to the route navigation data; and 
 including the route navigation correlation score in the determination of the theft probability value. 
 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1  wherein the subsequent vehicle data received in step (c) is used to refine the patterns ascertained in step (b) as the vehicle is driven by the authorized driver during trips occurring after the initial period of time. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1  wherein the vehicle motion data includes vehicle speed information and vehicle acceleration information. 
     
     
       11. A vehicle monitoring system comprising:
 a vehicle monitoring device configured for installation in a vehicle, the vehicle monitoring device comprising:
 one or more sensors for generating vehicle motion data indicative of one or more of vehicle speed and vehicle acceleration; 
 a first Global Positioning System receiver for generating vehicle location data; 
 a first data processor for processing the vehicle motion data and the vehicle location data; and 
 a first wireless data transceiver in communication with a wireless data network, the first wireless data transceiver for transmitting the vehicle motion data and the vehicle location data via the wireless data network; 
 
 a mobile communication device associated with the authorized driver, the mobile communication device comprising:
 a second Global Positioning System receiver for generating mobile communication device location data; 
 a second wireless data transceiver in communication with the wireless data network, the second wireless data transceiver for transmitting the mobile communication device location data and receiving commands and messages via the wireless data network; 
 a second data processor for processing the commands and messages; and 
 a display device for displaying information related to the messages; and 
 
 a central vehicle monitoring server in communication with the wireless data network, the central vehicle monitoring server executing instructions to:
 receive initial vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device while the vehicle is driven by an authorized driver over an initial period of time, the initial vehicle data including vehicle location data and vehicle motion data that are indicative of driving behavior of the authorized driver during the initial period of time; 
 process the initial vehicle data to ascertain patterns in one or more of routes, destinations, speed, and acceleration of the vehicle when driven by the authorized driver during the initial period of time; 
 receive subsequent vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device while the vehicle is driven on a trip after the initial period of time, the subsequent vehicle data including vehicle location data and vehicle motion data that are indicative of driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle during the trip; 
 compare the subsequent vehicle data to the previously ascertained patterns, and calculate one or more behavior correlation scores based on the comparison; 
 determine a theft probability value based at least in part on the one or more behavior correlation scores; 
 compare the theft probability value to a theft concern threshold; 
 based on the theft probability value exceeding the theft concern threshold, send a query message to the mobile communication device, wherein the query message inquires whether the authorized driver is driving the vehicle during the trip; 
 receive a response message transmitted from the mobile communication device, the response message including response information indicating whether or not the authorized driver is driving the vehicle during the trip; and 
 if the response information indicates that the authorized driver is not driving the vehicle on the trip, send a theft alert message to the mobile communication device, the theft alert message including a current location of the vehicle. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The vehicle monitoring system of  claim 11  wherein, if the response information indicates that the authorized driver is driving the vehicle on the trip, the central vehicle monitoring server uses the response information to refine the previously ascertained patterns. 
     
     
       13. The vehicle monitoring system of  claim 11  wherein the previously ascertained patterns include one or more of a pattern in:
 acceleration from a stop; 
 braking; 
 speed around curves; 
 observance or nonobservance of speed limits; 
 routes taken on a daily basis; and 
 daily destinations. 
 
     
     
       14. The vehicle monitoring system of  claim 11  further comprising the central vehicle monitoring server:
 acquiring device location data from the mobile communication device, the device location data indicating a current location of the mobile communication device; 
 comparing a current location of the vehicle to the current location of the mobile communication device; 
 calculating a location correlation score based on comparing the current location of the vehicle to the current location of the mobile communication device; and 
 including the location correlation score in the one or more behavior correlation scores that are used to determine the theft probability value. 
 
     
     
       15. The vehicle monitoring system of  claim 11  further comprising the central vehicle monitoring server:
 acquiring soft lock location data from the vehicle monitoring device, the soft lock location data indicating a location at which the authorized driver parked and left the vehicle; 
 periodically acquiring current vehicle location data after acquisition of the soft lock location data; 
 comparing the current vehicle location data to the soft lock location data; 
 calculating a soft lock location correlation score based comparing the current vehicle location data to the soft lock location data; and 
 including the soft lock location correlation score in the one or more behavior correlation scores that are used to determine the theft probability value. 
 
     
     
       16. The vehicle monitoring system of  claim 11  further comprising the central vehicle monitoring server:
 determining based on the vehicle location data whether the vehicle is traveling through a high crime area; 
 calculating a high crime area correlation score based on whether the vehicle is traveling through a high crime area; and 
 including the high crime area correlation score in the one or more behavior correlation scores that are used to determine the theft probability value. 
 
     
     
       17. The vehicle monitoring system of  claim 11  further comprising the central vehicle monitoring server:
 acquiring route navigation data from the mobile communication device, the route navigation data indicating a planned route for the trip that is determined by a GPS navigation application running on the mobile communication device; 
 comparing the current vehicle location data to the route navigation data; 
 calculating a route navigation correlation score based on comparing the current vehicle location data to the route navigation data; and 
 including the route navigation correlation score in the one or more behavior correlation scores that are used to determine the theft probability value. 
 
     
     
       18. The vehicle monitoring system of  claim 11  wherein the central vehicle monitoring server uses the subsequent vehicle data to refine the subsequently ascertained patterns as the vehicle is driven by the authorized driver during trips occurring after the initial period of time. 
     
     
       19. A computer-implemented method for detecting theft of a vehicle in which a vehicle monitoring device is installed, comprising:
 (a) receiving initial vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device while the vehicle is driven by an authorized driver over an initial period of time, the initial vehicle data including vehicle location data and vehicle motion data that are indicative of driving behavior of the authorized driver during the initial period of time; 
 (b) processing the initial vehicle data using machine learning software to ascertain patterns in one or more of routes, destinations, speed, and acceleration of the vehicle when driven by the authorized driver during the initial period of time; 
 (c) receiving subsequent vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device while the vehicle is driven on a trip after the initial period of time, the subsequent vehicle data including vehicle location data and vehicle motion data that are indicative of driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle during the trip; 
 (d) comparing the subsequent vehicle data to the patterns ascertained in step (b), and calculating one or more behavior correlation scores based on the comparison; 
 (e) acquiring device location data from a mobile communication device associated with the authorized driver, the device location data indicating a current location of the mobile communication device; 
 (f) comparing the current location of the mobile communication device to a current location of the vehicle determined from the vehicle location data; 
 (g) calculating a location correlation score based on comparing the current location of the vehicle to the current location of the mobile communication device; 
 (h) determining a theft probability value based at least in part on the one or more behavior correlation scores and the location correlation score; 
 (i) comparing the theft probability value to a theft concern threshold; 
 (j) based on the theft probability value exceeding the theft concern threshold, sending a query message to a mobile communication device associated with the authorized driver, wherein the query message inquires whether the authorized driver is driving the vehicle during the trip; and 
 (k) receiving a response message transmitted from the mobile communication device associated with the authorized driver, the response message including response information indicating whether or not the authorized driver is driving the vehicle during the trip. 
 
     
     
       20. A computer-implemented method for detecting theft of a vehicle in which a vehicle monitoring device is installed, comprising:
 (a) receiving initial vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device while the vehicle is driven by an authorized driver over an initial period of time, the initial vehicle data including vehicle location data and vehicle motion data that are indicative of driving behavior of the authorized driver during the initial period of time; 
 (b) processing the initial vehicle data using machine learning software to ascertain patterns in one or more of routes, destinations, speed, and acceleration of the vehicle when driven by the authorized driver during the initial period of time; 
 (c) receiving subsequent vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device while the vehicle is driven on a trip after the initial period of time, the subsequent vehicle data including vehicle location data and vehicle motion data that are indicative of driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle during the trip; 
 (d) comparing the subsequent vehicle data to the patterns ascertained in step (b), and calculating one or more behavior correlation scores based on the comparison; 
 (e) determining based on the vehicle location data whether the vehicle is traveling through a high crime area; 
 (f) calculating a high crime area correlation score based on whether the vehicle is traveling through a high crime area; 
 (g) determining a theft probability value based at least in part on the one or more behavior correlation scores and the high crime area correlation score; 
 (h) comparing the theft probability value to a theft concern threshold; 
 (i) based on the theft probability value exceeding the theft concern threshold, sending a query message to a mobile communication device associated with the authorized driver, wherein the query message inquires whether the authorized driver is driving the vehicle during the trip; and 
 (j) receiving a response message transmitted from the mobile communication device associated with the authorized driver, the response message including response information indicating whether or not the authorized driver is driving the vehicle during the trip. 
 
     
     
       21. A computer-implemented method for detecting theft of a vehicle in which a vehicle monitoring device is installed, comprising:
 (a) receiving initial vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device while the vehicle is driven by an authorized driver over an initial period of time, the initial vehicle data including vehicle location data and vehicle motion data that are indicative of driving behavior of the authorized driver during the initial period of time; 
 (b) processing the initial vehicle data using machine learning software to ascertain patterns in one or more of routes, destinations, speed, and acceleration of the vehicle when driven by the authorized driver during the initial period of time; 
 (c) receiving subsequent vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device while the vehicle is driven on a trip after the initial period of time, the subsequent vehicle data including vehicle location data and vehicle motion data that are indicative of driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle during the trip; 
 (d) comparing the subsequent vehicle data to the patterns ascertained in step (b), and calculating one or more behavior correlation scores based on the comparison; 
 (e) acquiring route navigation data from a mobile communication device, the route navigation data indicating a planned route for the trip that is determined by a GPS navigation application running on the mobile communication device; 
 (f) comparing the current vehicle location data to the route navigation data; 
 (g) calculating a route navigation correlation score based on comparison of the current vehicle location data to the route navigation data; and 
 (h) determining a theft probability value based at least in part on the one or more behavior correlation scores and the route navigation correlation score; 
 (i) comparing the theft probability value to a theft concern threshold; 
 (j) based on the theft probability value exceeding the theft concern threshold, sending a query message to a mobile communication device associated with the authorized driver, wherein the query message inquires whether the authorized driver is driving the vehicle during the trip; and 
 (k) receiving a response message transmitted from the mobile communication device associated with the authorized driver, the response message including response information indicating whether or not the authorized driver is driving the vehicle during the trip. 
 
     
     
       22. A vehicle monitoring system comprising:
 a vehicle monitoring device configured for installation in a vehicle, the vehicle monitoring device comprising:
 one or more sensors for generating vehicle motion data indicative of one or more of vehicle speed and vehicle acceleration; 
 a first Global Positioning System receiver for generating vehicle location data; 
 a first data processor for processing the vehicle motion data and the vehicle location data; and 
 a first wireless data transceiver in communication with a wireless data network, the first wireless data transceiver for transmitting the vehicle motion data and the vehicle location data via the wireless data network; 
 
 a mobile communication device associated with the authorized driver, the mobile communication device comprising:
 a second Global Positioning System receiver for generating mobile communication device location data; 
 a second wireless data transceiver in communication with the wireless data network, the second wireless data transceiver for transmitting the mobile communication device location data and receiving commands and messages via the wireless data network; 
 a second data processor for processing the commands and messages; and 
 a display device for displaying information related to the messages; and 
 
 a central vehicle monitoring server in communication with the wireless data network, the central vehicle monitoring server executing instructions to:
 receive initial vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device while the vehicle is driven by an authorized driver over an initial period of time, the initial vehicle data including vehicle location data and vehicle motion data that are indicative of driving behavior of the authorized driver during the initial period of time; 
 process the initial vehicle data to ascertain patterns in one or more of routes, destinations, speed, and acceleration of the vehicle when driven by the authorized driver during the initial period of time; 
 receive subsequent vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device while the vehicle is driven on a trip after the initial period of time, the subsequent vehicle data including vehicle location data and vehicle motion data that are indicative of driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle during the trip; 
 compare the subsequent vehicle data to the previously ascertained patterns, and calculate one or more behavior correlation scores based on the comparison; 
 acquire device location data from the mobile communication device, the device location data indicating a current location of the mobile communication device; 
 compare a current location of the vehicle to the current location of the mobile communication device; 
 calculate a location correlation score based on comparing the current location of the vehicle to the current location of the mobile communication device; 
 determine a theft probability value based at least in part on the one or more behavior correlation scores and the location correlation score; 
 compare the theft probability value to a theft concern threshold; 
 based on the theft probability value exceeding the theft concern threshold, send a query message to the mobile communication device, wherein the query message inquires whether the authorized driver is driving the vehicle during the trip; and 
 receive a response message transmitted from the mobile communication device, the response message including response information indicating whether or not the authorized driver is driving the vehicle during the trip. 
 
 
     
     
       23. A vehicle monitoring system comprising:
 a vehicle monitoring device configured for installation in a vehicle, the vehicle monitoring device comprising:
 one or more sensors for generating vehicle motion data indicative of one or more of vehicle speed and vehicle acceleration; 
 a first Global Positioning System receiver for generating vehicle location data; 
 a first data processor for processing the vehicle motion data and the vehicle location data; and 
 a first wireless data transceiver in communication with a wireless data network, the first wireless data transceiver for transmitting the vehicle motion data and the vehicle location data via the wireless data network; 
 
 a mobile communication device associated with the authorized driver, the mobile communication device comprising:
 a second Global Positioning System receiver for generating mobile communication device location data; 
 a second wireless data transceiver in communication with the wireless data network, the second wireless data transceiver for transmitting the mobile communication device location data and receiving commands and messages via the wireless data network; 
 a second data processor for processing the commands and messages; and 
 a display device for displaying information related to the messages; and 
 
 a central vehicle monitoring server in communication with the wireless data network, the central vehicle monitoring server executing instructions to:
 receive initial vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device while the vehicle is driven by an authorized driver over an initial period of time, the initial vehicle data including vehicle location data and vehicle motion data that are indicative of driving behavior of the authorized driver during the initial period of time; 
 process the initial vehicle data to ascertain patterns in one or more of routes, destinations, speed, and acceleration of the vehicle when driven by the authorized driver during the initial period of time; 
 receive subsequent vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device while the vehicle is driven on a trip after the initial period of time, the subsequent vehicle data including vehicle location data and vehicle motion data that are indicative of driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle during the trip; 
 compare the subsequent vehicle data to the previously ascertained patterns, and calculate one or more behavior correlation scores based on the comparison; 
 determine based on the vehicle location data whether the vehicle is traveling through a high crime area; 
 calculate a high crime area correlation score based on whether the vehicle is traveling through a high crime area; 
 determine a theft probability value based at least in part on the one or more behavior correlation scores and the high crime area correlation score; 
 compare the theft probability value to a theft concern threshold; 
 based on the theft probability value exceeding the theft concern threshold, send a query message to the mobile communication device, wherein the query message inquires whether the authorized driver is driving the vehicle during the trip; and 
 receive a response message transmitted from the mobile communication device, the response message including response information indicating whether or not the authorized driver is driving the vehicle during the trip. 
 
 
     
     
       24. A vehicle monitoring system comprising:
 a vehicle monitoring device configured for installation in a vehicle, the vehicle monitoring device comprising:
 one or more sensors for generating vehicle motion data indicative of one or more of vehicle speed and vehicle acceleration; 
 a first Global Positioning System receiver for generating vehicle location data; 
 a first data processor for processing the vehicle motion data and the vehicle location data; and 
 a first wireless data transceiver in communication with a wireless data network, the first wireless data transceiver for transmitting the vehicle motion data and the vehicle location data via the wireless data network; 
 
 a mobile communication device associated with the authorized driver, the mobile communication device comprising:
 a second Global Positioning System receiver for generating mobile communication device location data; 
 a second wireless data transceiver in communication with the wireless data network, the second wireless data transceiver for transmitting the mobile communication device location data and receiving commands and messages via the wireless data network; 
 a second data processor for processing the commands and messages; and 
 a display device for displaying information related to the messages; and 
 
 a central vehicle monitoring server in communication with the wireless data network, the central vehicle monitoring server executing instructions to:
 receive initial vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device while the vehicle is driven by an authorized driver over an initial period of time, the initial vehicle data including vehicle location data and vehicle motion data that are indicative of driving behavior of the authorized driver during the initial period of time; 
 process the initial vehicle data to ascertain patterns in one or more of routes, destinations, speed, and acceleration of the vehicle when driven by the authorized driver during the initial period of time; 
 receive subsequent vehicle data transmitted from the vehicle monitoring device while the vehicle is driven on a trip after the initial period of time, the subsequent vehicle data including vehicle location data and vehicle motion data that are indicative of driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle during the trip; 
 compare the subsequent vehicle data to the previously ascertained patterns, and calculate one or more behavior correlation scores based on the comparison; 
 acquire route navigation data from the mobile communication device, the route navigation data indicating a planned route for the trip that is determined by a GPS navigation application running on the mobile communication device; 
 compare the current vehicle location data to the route navigation data; 
 calculate a route navigation correlation score based on comparing the current vehicle location data to the route navigation data; and 
 determine a theft probability value based at least in part on the one or more behavior correlation scores and the route navigation correlation score; 
 compare the theft probability value to a theft concern threshold; 
 based on the theft probability value exceeding the theft concern threshold, send a query message to the mobile communication device, wherein the query message inquires whether the authorized driver is driving the vehicle during the trip; and 
 receive a response message transmitted from the mobile communication device, the response message including response information indicating whether or not the authorized driver is driving the vehicle during the trip.